Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

[thedukeryan]

I have a 1991 Galaxy with a Volvo Penta outdrive. It has a 305 V8 with powersteering. My question is if it is normal for the steering to be very tight with the engine not running? If it is very tight on the trailer will it loosen up as soon as the engine/power steering kick in?

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

put the muffs on it and fire her up and find out for yourself!

I imagine much like a car PS system, that without the engine running to allow the PS system to assist you, it would be stiff..Otherwise ya wouldnt need power steering would ya?

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

Long story short I have only had the boat a short time. I have only had it running twice. Not wanting to hook the muffs up since it is already winterized. Never really thought much of it untill I started playing with the interior today. The steering is TIGHT. To the point where I cant even hardly turn the wheel. It will turn a bit with a lot of force. I guess this is the same with my truck. Probably just worried about nothing. Unless some more people chime in I guess I wont know till I hook it up to the muffs next year.

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

If you've had it running twice without the muffs, you're probably going to have to install a new impellar in the out drive.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

Re: Steering Tight Normal?

I have had it running twice. Both time on muffs. That is why I dont wanna fire it up again since it is already winterized and I dont wanna hook the muffs back up and then winterize it again. Good chance I will replace the impeller next year but I pulled this one and it is still in ok shape. I guess this leads to another option. If I already have plans to replace the impellar can I run the engine for say a minute to check the steering? Will running the engine for say a minute hurt anything other than the impellar? I have never ran any of my boats without water but if all it will do is burn up the impellar that I already plan on replacing I may just fire it up for 30 seconds or so. I just dont wanna hook it up to water then have to drain the engine again.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

Ok I have bad news. I hooked the boat up to muffs today and the wheel will not freely turn even with the engine running. Is there a possible lock on the Volvo Penta outdrives? I know there is one on the wheel but this is not the problem. Even if I manually try to move the outdrive left/right it seems like it is locked into place. Any suggestions?

 

[captmello]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

If you remove the pin from the steering helmet, the outdrive should swing back and forth.

Btw, I've got power steering on my boat and it is not hard to turn the wheel with the engine off.

Don't run the engine without the muffs. Ever. Period.

What model outdrive do you have anyway?

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

Has this boat sat for quite awhile without being used?
Sometimes just NOT being used is enough for things to lock up

 

[Lou C]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

Is there a grease fitting on the steering actuator...there is one on my OMC that you have to grease each year and you are also supposed to coat the exposed part of the steering ram with OMC triple guard grease...my steering is pretty easy even with the engine off....

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

Yeah there are some grease zerks that I will probably pump some grease in. Yes the boat has been sitting for a very long time. I can not say for sure how long but lets just say a while. The shifter was tight as well but with a few sprays of white lithium it loosend right up. Even before greasing the shifter it would move pretty easy. I will try pumping some grease in it and see what happens. I have a feeling once it breaks free I can continue to lube it and get the parts moving again. Any other suggestions? It is a Volvo Penta 501 single prop.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Update Ran Engine Still Tight! Steering Tight Normal?

Ok I pumped some grease into all the fittings but still no movement. I pulled the steering "head" off from behind the wheel and I could get no movement out of it at all. I think the problem must be with the steering cable. Can these be lubed? If lube is not a option do I need to replace the cable and head assembly behind the wheel? If I disconnect the cable from the outdrive the outdrive should swing freely by hand. Correct? What I am thinging is that I will disconnect the cable from the drive and if the drive swings freely and the wheel is still tight then it will surely be a cable issue. Any advice or opinions?